Louisville officials detect a case of Oropouche virus in the region

The first case of the oropouche virus, or “sloth fever,” has been reported in Jefferson County. The Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness announced Wednesday that a Jefferson County resident has been diagnosed with the virus. Health officials said the person recently traveled to Cuba. They said the infected person exhibited mild symptoms and is recovering. So what is it? How does it spread? The oropouche virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected midges, also popularly known as “no-see-ums.” Some mosquitoes also transmit it. Oropouche Virus Symptoms Symptoms of an oropouche virus infection can be similar to those of dengue fever, Zika, malaria or chikungunya and include: Fever Headache Chills Body aches Joint pain According to LMPHW, oropouche virus infections are typically mild and appear 3-10 days after an infected insect bites. But some people may develop more serious illness, including meningitis, encephalitis, or bleeding complications. Deaths from Oropouche virus infection are rare. If you have symptoms and have recently traveled to an area where Oropouche virus is transmitted, call your doctor and tell him or her your travel history. Your doctor can review CDC recommendations and determine if you need to be tested for Oropouche virus infection or other infections. Five cases of transmission during pregnancy have been linked to fetal death or birth defects. Where Oropouche virus is reportedThe virus has been reported in parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Cuba have reported locally transmitted cases. More than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus infection have been reported worldwide this year, including two deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that the Oropouche virus is spreading in the United States.In the United States, at least 21 cases of Oropouche have been reported in travelers returning from Cuba. Some cases came from Brazil. Warning from authoritiesPeople traveling to countries where the Oropouche virus is transmitted should take precautions to avoid insect bites.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

The first case of the Oropouche virus, or “sloth fever,” was reported in Jefferson County.

The Louisville Metro Health and Wellness Department announced Wednesday that a Jefferson County resident has been diagnosed with the virus.

Health officials said the person had recently traveled to Cuba.

They said the infected person had only mild symptoms and was on the mend.

So what is it?

How to spread

The Oropouche virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected midges (also known as “no-see-ums”). Some mosquitoes also carry the virus.

Symptoms of the Oropouche virus

Symptoms of Oropouche A viral infection may resemble dengue fever, Zika fever, malaria or chikungunya and may include:

Fever
Headache
chills
Pain in limbs
Joint pain

According to LMPHW, infections with the Oropouche virus are generally mild and occur 3–10 days after the bite of an infected insect.

However, some people may develop more serious illness, including meningitis, encephalitis, or bleeding complications. Deaths from Oropouche virus infection are rare.

If you have symptoms and have recently traveled to an area where the Oropouche virus is transmitted, call your doctor and tell him or her about your travel history.

Your doctor can review CDC recommendations and determine if you need to be tested for oropouche virus infection or other infections.

In five cases, transmission of the fetus or birth defects occurred during pregnancy.

Where the Oropouche virus is reported

The virus has been reported in parts of South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Cuba have reported locally transmitted cases.

This year, more than 8,000 cases of Oropouche virus infection have been reported worldwide, including two deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that the Oropouche virus is spreading in the United States.

In the United States, at least 21 cases of Oropouche have been reported in travelers returning from Cuba. Some cases came from Brazil.

Warning from officials

People traveling to countries where the Oropouche virus is transmitted should take precautions to avoid insect bites.